What Happened?

12:38 PM // by Jack Ady // // 0 comments
ESPN.com's senior NBA writer Marc Stein admitted last year that the 2006 NBA playoffs were probably the most entertaining in his adult life. He added a warning however, that the 2007 playoffs would seem like a let down without a miracle.
That turned out to be a huge understatement.

Let's start with what went right last year.

Golden State upset the Mavericks.

My brother, who loves the Mavericks-- especially Dirk-- more than anything, will never forgive me for saying this, but Baron Davis and those crazy Bay Area fans were a God-sent. The Warriors played up tempo, fun to watch basketball, and it seemed like they weren't aware that they were supposed to lose. There was of course the wonderful subplot of Don Nelson destroying the creature that he created, not to mention the terror in Avery Johnson's eyes as he knew that Nelson, to no fault of Johnson's, was devouring him.

The only thing that could have made this scenario better would have been if Golden State had debunked the Spurs, but we'll get at that more later.

LeBron James turned into Superman.

Prior to game 5 between the Cavs and Pistons, everyone just repeated like a parrot, "the Pistons have been here before... it took Jordan a few tries... LeBron will have to grow." It was one of the most spectacular things witnessed by sports fans ever when LeBron shut all of them up. He scored 29 of his teams last 30 points, giving him 48 overall and the game 5 win in Detroit in double OT. And he looked like MJ's big brother doing it, too. Without exaggeration it was one of the greatest performances in any sport of all time.

Unfortunately, everything else went wrong.

After what John Hollinger called the best game in 55 years on March 13 between Dallas and Phoenix, we didn't get to see these giants match up in the playoffs. Instead, we saw terrible officiating widespread and a San Antonio team that no wanted to win take the west. We saw silly suspensions, a bloody faced Steve Nash, a cheap shot from Robert Horry, complaining from the Spurs and a referee scandal.

In the east, there was a Magic/Pistons match up that couldn't end soon enough, a totally pointless Cavs/Wizards series, a Chicago/Detroit bore-fest that got headlines if a team scored 75 points, and no superhuman performances from Dwayne Wade.

Hope For This Season

We can hope that the Boston Celtics are fun and add a new dimension to the playoffs in the East. We should also pray for Tim Duncan to retire or break his ankle. Or ankles. The Spurs set a record for futility in the finals this past year, in fact a new record in each of the four games for lowest ratings of all time. It's not only boring, it's bad for basketball and the NBA.

We can hope that the Knicks don't do anything dumb this year. We can hope that Kevin Durant gets tons of attention for playing like a stud. We should hope that the improved LeBron and Melo that we saw dominate for team USA will continue to improve.

Finally, we can hope that the best team wins. The real beauty of the NBA's playoff format versus the NCAA "one and done" style is that the best team should win in a seven game series. I honestly believe that the Spurs should not have won the championship last season, and that poor officiating and direct dishonesty from the league made it happen, and I think that most people who know what they're talking about would agree with me.

You can email the JackDaddy, as bitter as he is, at jackhoops@gmail.com

Mr. Big Talk

4:40 PM // by Jack Ady // // 0 comments
Since 2004 when the Pistons shocked the world by dismantling the three-peat Lakers in five games, Chauncey Billups has been commonly regarded as one of the league's best players.

Of course he has. I mean, surely anyone who wins finals MVP should be considered in that class, right?

I strongly disagree, and I also get annoyed with the silly nickname Mr. Big Shot. It is only his rumored ability to hit shots that has earned him that name, not his actual ability, as anyone who watched this past eastern conference finals will tell you. The public perception of players can be very misleading.

For example, NBA GM's were asked last season, "If the game was on the line and you could choose one person to take the final shot, who would it be?"

The GM's left Carmelo Anthony, who has the best game winning shot percentage of active players out of the contest. They also ignored the second best option, Gilbert Arenas. No, they went with Kobe Bryant to take that shot, despite the fact that he has the lowest percentage of all time.

So what's wrong with Billups? Let's ask ESPN.com's Sports Guy, Bill Simmons, who had this to say during last years playoffs:

"Announcers and studio guys steadfastly continue to call Chauncey Billups "Mr. Big Shot," quite possibly the most undeserved sports nickname of this century. Here's a quick recap of Chauncey's career:

1997-2001: Bounces around from Boston to Toronto to Denver to Orlando to Minnesota.
2002: Plays well enough for the T-Wolves (0-3 in the '02 playoffs) that Detroit gives him a $30 million contract.

2003: Leads a Pistons team that eventually gets swept in the 2003 Eastern finals by New Jersey … and gets destroyed by Jason Kidd in the process. Billups shot 11 for 40 in the series; Kidd averaged 23.5 points, 7.5 assists and 10 rebounds per game. Just pointing out that the "Mr. Big Shot" nickname hadn't kicked in yet.

2004: Shoots 39 percent in the regular season, gets hot in the playoffs, leads the Pistons to the title, makes some big shots along the way, and somehow picks up the name "Mr. Big Shot."

2005: Leads the Pistons to the Finals, makes some big shots along the way, then pulls a relative no-show in Game 7 (13 points, 3 for 8 from the field, no big shots).

2006: During the last three games of the Eastern semis against Cleveland -- which the Pistons nearly blew -- Billups shot 13 for 34. In the six-game loss to Miami in the Eastern finals, he shot 39 percent and 3 for 14 in the deciding game.

2007: Struggled in the Chicago series (39 percent shooting), then completely flopped in the first four games of the Cavs series (22-for-57 shooting, 32 turnovers, some killer mistakes at the end of Games 3 and 4), to the point that people are now openly wondering how much money he's costing himself this summer."

I'm wondering if Billups should be on team USA. He's an inferior player to Deron Williams and Baron Davis, both of which would be a better second string point guard for that team. He doesn't have a real great ability to make that great pass. He doesn't have a high turnover rate, which is good, and he is a decent defender, but uptempo offense and court vision are not things that he is compatible with.

For team USA, not a good fit. For 5 years and $60.5 million, not good at all.

You can email the JackDaddy here at jackhoops@gmail.com

Mailbag Q & A

9:57 AM // by Jack Ady // , , , , , , // 0 comments
Well Readers, it appears like it's time for me to impart of my wisdom and answer some of the questions and comments that I've received here in NBA Reality land.

Q: Is it clear now that Kobe Bryant is the best basketball player on the planet? He has the most skill and plays the best defense on team USA. He's the difference, so he's the best.
Mike, Chicago

A: Well, no. I don't think that Kobe has been the difference this year. I mean, LeBron has more steals and blocks, but is also shooting 73% for the tournament with a higher ppg than Kobe. Carmelo and Michael Redd are scoring more than him. In fact, more scoring isn't really the thing that team USA was lacking.

I think the additions that make this team better are Jason Kidd and Amare Stoudemire. Kidd is the best point guard that America has to offer, and Amare was first team all NBA this year. Poor point guard and interior play have been the weak spots, and those player are a healthy remedy on any squad.
Amare, by the way has seen his numbers drop, and I wouldn't say it was his fault. Pay attention next time you watch, and notice that he almost always plays with Billups, one of the league's perennial overrated players. LeBron is better at the point than Chauncey.

Q: Yi Jianlian finally signed with us. So who's out of the playoffs in the east now that Milwaukee is in?
Bryan, Milwaukee

A: Ouch Bryan! Milwaukee isn't in. It's actually very rare that a rookie can lead his team to the playoffs in his first season, even if he's really good. Take LeBron for instance. He took his team to the finals in his fourth season, but still missed the playoffs in his first, despite being rookie of the year. I just think that the Bucks are still behind Boston and Miami, so playoffs feel like anything but a guarantee. I do like Yi as a player, though.

Q: How can you say that the Blazers don't make the playoffs this year? With LaMarcus Aldridge, Brandon Roy and Greg Oden? That's just stupid. Mark my words that they win the Northwest, if not the western conference. GO BLAZERS!!!!!!!
Paul, Portland

A: Sorry Paul, but I had to put this one in purely for entertainment. Portland is behind Denver, Utah and Seattle in the northwest, and when you don't make the playoffs it gets really hard to win the western conference title. Oden just won't be that kind of impact player in his first season, end of story.

Q: Jackdady, can you settle something for me? My dad says that the current team USA isn't good enough to even compare with the 1992 dream team, but I think they are. I say there better, but I porbably just like them more.
Nick, Seattle

A: Well Nick, here's what I can do.

With special thanks to ESPN.com for this info, we know that this team USA is better offensively than the 1992 dream team. A lot of people will say that the old team was better, which a lot of which you'll have to attribute to people treasuring the past. This team really could be better than the old one, especially due to the increased athleticism and youth.

We really won't be able to tell who's better until the USA wins gold in Beijing next summer, and even then, I'm sure no one will agree. But do tell your dad that with all due respect this team is comparable to any team ever assembled.

You can email your questions or comments to the JackDaddy at jackhoops@gmail.com

A Fresh Start

11:52 AM // by Jack Ady // , , , , // 0 comments

This past NBA season was one for the ages, and frankly, the ages can have it. Teams losing on purpose, Dwayne Wade being too hurt to really defend his title, the most boring team in basketball winning the championship despite not being the best team.... the list could go on for quite some time.

But it's a new season coming up, a time to look ahead to rising stars and new teams. Now is the time that we'll take a look at the NBA forecast of things worth watching out for Division by Division.

Atlantic Division

Last years shame of the league, the "titanic" division should make a huge change this season. Despite what you'll hear about Toronto being up and coming and New Jersey being rejuvenated with the addition of Jamaal Magloire, this is Bostons year. Critics have said that journalists are jumping the gun and giving the Celtics more credit than they deserve due to the new line up.

Well, if jumping the gun means to accurately predict, then those critics are mostly right. Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen with James Posey and perhaps even Allan Houston coming off the bench looks like a monster of a lineup to me, even if it is jumping the gun. The Knicks might make the playoffs this season, but Boston is the team to watch in the Atlantic.

Central Division

We are not talking about a fun division here. The Pistons, Cavs and Bulls; obviously the strong team in the division are all really slow and sometimes flat our boring. With the sole exception of LeBron James, there won't be much flash coming from here. So just pay homage to the King and move on.

Southeast Division

The Orlando magic have been building assets with the signing of Dwight Howard and Rashard Lewis, but also put in a new head coach with Stan Van Gundy. They should be fun to watch this year, but let's not forget about Agent zero back in DC. Arenas can't be pleased with the way his season ended, and he's always a sure shot to entertain.

Miami so far this offseason has let its best defender (Posey) go, its best shooter (Kapono) go and signed Smush Parker, most likely to help pull Antoine Walker away from the buffet table every night. It looks like Payton is done, too.

Northwest Division

There are several team that should surprise this year, but right off the bat I'm predicting that the Trailblazers will not be one of those teams. To be honest, I don't really like Oden that much. He's a big athletic shot blocker who, although was praised as a great rebounder, had less per game rebounds than Durant. He doesn't have offensive moves to speak of, and he didn't even impact the game in Summer League. Sounds like Michael Olowokandi to me.

That being said, Durant will be rookie of the year, I guarantee it 100%. The Sonics should hopefully be fun to watch too, if new coach PJ Carlismo didn't let too much of his old buddy Greg Poppovich rub off last season. They probably won't make the playoffs either, but they'll have their moments.

Denver is the team to watch in this division. A healed JR Smith should be a top candidate for either the 6th man or MIP award. Kenyon Martin will be healthy. Nene will be back in better shape. Carmelo Anthony will be improved-- again. Allen Iverson will be Allen Iverson. They are going to be a tough team to beat and the dark horse in the west all year long.

Pacific Division

Let's be honest. I loved the Warriors post season run last year, but I doubt they'll be that focused all season long. The Lakers might not even have Kobe Bryant, and the Clippers won't have Elton Brand, so they don't have a prayer. Sacramento is a mess.

But the Suns boast the most entertaining brand of basketball in the world, a brand most people last season though belonged to the best team in the NBA. Some feel that the addition of Grant Hill will put the Suns in the finals and I am one of those people. Not only are the Suns the league's premiere team to watch, but they're also the team I predict will win the title this year.

Southwest Division

Watch the Houston Rockets. They brought back Steve Francis after Raefer Alston was destroyed by Deron Williams in the first round last year. Bonzi Wells decided to stay and will be happy with new offensive-minded coach Rick Adelman who Bonzi flourished under in Sacramento. Mike James is also back to score more points than he did last season. The Rockets will turn from a low scoring team with only two offensive weapons into an offensive juggernaut this season, and we'll be watching.

Also, what in the world will Dallas do? Win 70? I mean, they really do have to win it this year don't they? Plus, I hope they just crush San Antonio. The team that "America hates to watch" last season has become the team "America hates," and we'll have to watch them flop and whine themselves through another season. Avoid the Spurs like the plague and root for little white Canadians.

Please email your questions or comments to the JackDaddy at jackhoops@gmail.com.

Poll Results Tell All

4:04 PM // by Jack Ady // // 0 comments

Humorously enough, all of the team USA nay-sayers seem to be hiding in little holes at this point. After going 3-0 in its first three games, winning by a demoralizing 52.3 points per game, the Americans will square off against the Brazilians tonight.

Team USA coach Mike Krzyzewski said the Americans still need to be concerned about their game tonight. Brazil boasts not only the physically intimidating Nene, but also the NBA's "Brazilian Blur," Leandro Barbosa, who Krzyzewski called, "as complete a player as there is in this tournament.... especially the way they use him."

In all reality, the talent gap between team USA and their first three opponents has been huge, and the only real threat for them tonight is over confidence. However, if I were a betting man, I would bet everything I own on a team USA blowout victory.

First of all, team USA is experienced. Carmelo and LeBron are both enjoying their third time as team USA participants, with Carmelo showing that he just flourishes in this playing environment. Kobe Bryant has played in the NBA for 11 years. Jason Kidd is entering his 14th season. The young gun is Dwight Howard, who can definitely hold his own.

Secondly, this team is still young. When you consider that the teams oldest player, Jason Kidd, is 5 years older than the next oldest player, the 29 year old Bryant, you don't have to worry about the wear and tear as much. Stoudemire is 24, Deron Williams and Carmelo are 23, LeBron is 22. Plus, no one on this team has played 25 minutes in a game yet, so they should have plenty left in the tank.

The critics have been rightfully silenced, and team USA seems to be properly motivated. Don't look for them to stumble tonight. When asked about team Brazil, despite being the overwhelming favorite to win, coach Krzyzewski said, "They're a top-flight team and we respect them."


You can email the JackDaddy right now at jackhoops@gmail.com

Team USA Beats Venezuela

10:25 AM // by Jack Ady // // 0 comments

For the many people who couldn't stay up to watch the US mens team wipe the floor with Venezuela in Las Vegas last night, here is a brief overview of points that you missed.
A. Team USA is twice as good due to point guard improvement.

In my mind, Kirk Hinrich is a good point guard with tons of potential. But Jason Kidd has experience and a special level of talent, so just making that switch puts team USA at another level all together. Billups, although vastly overrated, did a decent job at backup, and Deron Williams is going to be, if he isn't already, a huge star. I think the sky is the limit for Williams.

B. Venezuela sucked.

Yes, they were facing a very tough and talented USA squad, but Venezuela showed in the first quarter that they were giving up with several hard, proabably intentional fouls. They were constantly looking to the bench with looks that said something like, "I'm going to freaking stab Kobe, man!"

My point here is that perhaps this young Venezuela team was not the best barometer for team USA's abilities right now, so we shouldn't read too much into the 112-69 final score.

C. Seven players scored in double figures for USA.

Carmelo was the leading scorer, and he only had 17 points. This speaks volumes to the critics who condemn USA basketball as a collection of selfish prima donas, which was not the case at all in last nights game.

D. Bill Walton is awful.

As much as I'd like a comparison to a rebound Walton saw in 1956 (he seriously did this last night) I think I'd rather have my mom call the game. It would be something like this, "Oh good, the white team scored again, but I don't know if it was a two or three pointer.... how do you even tell?"

This is far less obnoxious than Bill Walton praising players from 300 years ago that my grandpa has never heard of, or calling the Spurs an exciting team. I had forgotten how bad he was during this awful offseason.

E. Phoenix Suns coach Mike D'Antoni was on the bench.

This is good news for team USA, because they are now twice as fun to watch. Even casual fans must have noticed that the Americans had fun in transistion last night, scoring easy layups and dunks almost at will. There were a few turnovers on inbounds passes, but the passes delivered by Kidd were converted much more frequently.

So we didn't really learn too much about team USA's improvement from this game, and tonight's game against the Virgin Islands should be no better, but at least you should see some sweet dunks.
Your comments are welcome. You may comment below or email thejackdaddy at jackhoops@gmail.com.

USA Basketball Tonight

7:09 PM // by Jack Ady // // 0 comments
Tonight at 11pm ET the USA mens basketball squad will face off in their first game since last years dissapointing bronze medal finish. Many doubt the USA because they're cynical morons who say that the American team is nothing but a group of overpaid whiners.

Dumb.

First of all, this is America. If you think that the players are overpaid, your real beef is with capitalism, not the NBA, so go to Russia. There are only approzimately 400 people in the world capable of playing basketball at the level that NBA players do, and they are therefore paid alot.

Secondly, the American team has two players that I would call selfish; Kobe and Carmelo. Anthony proved last year that he can play at any level while still not taking away from others. Kobe is the wildcard. He has never liked playing second fiddle, and for those of you who watched him play with Shaq, you already know that in a choice between a championship and being top dog, he chose Kwame Brown and a first round exit.

Honestly, I have never liked Kobe. But to deny that the guy is a super-talent is just, well, denial. Nothing annoys me more than to hear about how much higher the talent level was in the 90's from people who don't know who's in the league now, and therefore assume that today's players lack of talent is the cause of the America woe in international play. Here's the real reason that team USA has struggled as of late.

FIBA basketball is not NBA basketball.

In the last several years, NBA commissioner David Stern has done a lot of things that are good for basketball as well as the basketball viewer. He has done away with the hard fouls, cracked down on fighting, and added a defensive three second rule to keep the game moving. After the 2002 playoffs, he also made the neccessary change allowing video replay for buzzer beaters.

The NBA in 1992 was a lot like the current FIBA play, where handchecking and shoving are more than widespread. FIBA also uses a different ball, a different key, different three point line, different rules regarding fouls, technicals, time-outs, and clock operation. Pretty much everything.

Jordan, Bird and Magic were special players-- no doubt. But the reasoning that todays team USA doesn't dominate has more to do with the fact that they don't get to play as similar a game as the 1992 game did.

Also ask yourself who were the NBA's MVP candidates last season?

A Canadian and a German.


Your comments are welcome. You may comment below or email thejackdaddy at jackhoops@gmail.com.

Welcome to NBA Reality

4:11 PM // by Jack Ady // // 2 comments
Like so many of you, I am a fan of basketball. Like many of you, I also am now too fat and slow to create good basketball on my own, and have clung to the NBA in a desperate and semi-pathetic attempt to hang on to my youth, as well as out of love for the game.

If anyone in the world has watched as much basketball in the last three years as I have, this message is for you: may God have mercy on your soul. Also, how about a little honesty? I feel like the real issues in basketball go undiscussed in public due to obvious marketing reasons, such as the NBA would abandon ESPN if the announcers bad mouthed the officials or players on national TV.

But this is not national TV. It hopefully won't become a bash session either, but in reality it should become a place to come discuss the realities of what is going on in basketball. Like so many things in the world, the people most vocal about them are those least informed, so I guess I'll just have to continue on my course of watching every game possible.